Harmony Week celebrates and recognises Australia’s diverse communities and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds.
The week signifies the importance of inclusiveness, respect and creates a sense of belonging amongst everyone.
Through funding provided by the Australian Sports Commission aiming to connect and engage with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) and newly arrived migrants between the ages of 5 – 18, Football Australia engaged with three different communities across Victoria.
Harmony Week enabled us to showcase the importance of three roles that play a key part in connecting new communities into the wider Australian society. Community leaders advocating on behalf of their communities, schools and teachers being role models, and NGO organisations creating a linkage between services and families.
“There is no barrier, no language barrier. It doesn’t matter if I don’t know your language, you don’t know my language, we can get out and play a game of soccer, which is just amazing.” – Leanne Skaftouros – Dandenong Primary School Teacher
Football Australia celebrated the week implementing a one-day activation where kids and families were able to join in through a game of football (World Cup tournament) to rejoice diverse backgrounds as they play as various countries, to engage in a Miniroos beginners’ clinic or take part in ”Hit the Target” – Large inflatable goals.
‘It is important for us to create these type events as we get to learn about various communities, but also for them to learn about us and what we do in case they may need our services. Information empowers communities to achieve their goals, therefore interacting at all levels is crucial” – Abraham – Football Australia Multicultural Program Manager.
Knowing the needs of CALD communities not just in the football but also in the social space, allowing Football Australia to share current goals by being able support communities with player and coaching pathways, and other opportunities to help empower families through the universal language of ”Football”.
The event entailed collaborating across three locations including, Manor Lakes, Croydon & Dandenong, and interacting with various communities from Middle East, Africa, and Asia that have come to Australia as newly arrived migrants. The participants were able to showcase their skills with opportunities for those more talented who have played the game before, but also for beginners who took part in the clinic to learn more about the Miniroos program and how to join their local club.
“Football Australia connecting with our program is so important because it gives young people access to club football and also different opportunities to succeed.” – Mohamed Semra – Endeavour Youth Australia CEO
With the help of Wyndham Council, Dandenong primary School, Manor lakes Primary School, Endeavour Youth and Migrant information centre, Football Australia strategically approached harmony week in a unique way that allows communities to feel comfortable throughout the day with their community leaders sharing information on basic services needs but aiming to also strengthen and build lasting connections.
